Introduction to Exercise Tarkash UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, on the 15^th of May, 2024, a Joint Exercise between India & US Top Security Forces has been conducted!  The name of this joint exercise was ‘Exercise Tarkash’.

Why was Exercise Tarkash in the news? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The Exer. Tarkash was in the news because recently, on the 15^th of May, 2024, India & U.S. bilaterally conducted an exercise with their best forces named National Security Guard & Special Operation Forces to Counter Urban Terrorism. This exercise was conducted in the Kolkata Location of India. 

Ex #TARKASH-2024

Three weeks Joint Exercise TARKASH 2024 between #NSG & #US(SOF) culminated at Kolkata . The two Special Forces have enhanced interoperability & shared best practices during the exercise. pic.twitter.com/bm4mfzEIGZ

— National Security Guard (@nsgblackcats) May 15, 2024

Details about Exercise Tarkash

We have added a complete set of Details about Exercise Tarkash in this blog below:

What is Exercise Tarkash?

The Exercise Tarkash is a bilateral counter-terrorism exercise. This exercise was conducted jointly by India and the United States. It involves elite special forces from both nations, namely the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). 

Objective of Exercise

The primary objective of Exercise Tarkash is to foster functional relations and enhance interoperability between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) in conducting coordinated counter-terrorism operations in urban environments. Through intensive training and simulated drills, the exercise aims to:

1. Build operational cooperation: This exercise was aimed to strengthen collaboration between the NSG and SOF. So, both forces can effectively address urban terrorism contingencies.
2. Enhance interoperability: This Exercise was aimed to improve the ability of both forces to work together seamlessly in synchronized counter-terrorism operations.
3. Share best practices: This Exercise was aimed to facilitate the exchange of expertise, tactics, techniques, and procedures between the two elite special forces.
4. Improve bilateral cooperation: This exercise was aimed to strengthen the partnership between India and the United States in combating terrorism across various forms and manifestations.

Participants of Exercise

India & United States have jointly participated in this exercise and from both sides, the National Security Group (NSG) & Special Operation Forces (SOF) performed to the best capabilities in this Exercise Tarkash

1. National Security Guard (NSG) – India:

The National Security Guard (NSG) is an elite counter-terrorism unit of India. It was established in 1984. The NSG takes its personnel from various Indian security forces. Also, the NSG specializes in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and VIP protection. They are trained in specialized tactics and equipped with advanced weaponry. They are mastered to handle high-risk situations.

2. U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF):

The U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) consist of elite military units. These units are specialized in unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. These units include the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC). SOF personnel undergo rigorous training. SOFs are also highly skilled in executing complex missions worldwide.

Key Points about Exercise Tarkash

These are the main points about Exercise Tarkash:

1. Bilateral Collaboration: The Exercise Tarkash is a bilateral counter-terrorism exercise conducted between India and the United States conducted in the 15^th of May 2024.
2. Participants: The exercise involves elite special forces units, namely the National Security Guard (NSG) from India and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF).
3. Objective: The primary aim of Exercise Tarkash is to enhance operational cooperation and interoperability between the NSG and SOF. So that, these forces can conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations.
4. Duration: Tarkash typically lasts for three weeks, during which participants engage in intensive training and simulated drills.
5. Focus Area: The exercise primarily focuses on addressing urban terrorism contingencies. These include some scenarios such as hostage rescues, building interventions, and close-quarter battles.
6. Mock Drills: Participants conduct joint mock counter-terrorism drills at multiple locations. They’ve chosen multiple locations to improve coordination and interoperability between the two special forces.
7. Sharing Best Practices: Tarkash facilitates the exchange of best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures related to counter-terrorism operations.
8. Strategic Importance: The exercise underscores the strategic partnership between India and the United States in combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation.
9. Previous Editions: Tarkash is held periodically, with the seventh edition conducted in Kolkata. The previous editions have taken place in different cities, such as Chennai in January 2023.
10. Capacity Building: Beyond the exercise, the NSG and SOF maintain regular exchanges to strengthen their counter-terrorism capacities. They also contribute to global efforts in countering terrorism.